Kanwad or hooliganism? Discipline is needed in the path of faith

In a religious country like India, pilgrimages and religious journeys have a deep social, cultural and spiritual significance.

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The purpose of these journeys is self-purification, dedication and attainment of peace. But in recent years, some pilgrimages, especially the Kanwar Yatra, have strayed from their original form and are becoming synonymous with chaos, noise and indiscipline.

While on one hand lakhs of devotees travel hundreds of kilometres to places like Ramdevra in Rajasthan to offer prayers peacefully and with devotion, on the other hand, during the Kanwar Yatra, there are frequent reports of occupation of roads, dancing to the tunes of DJs, traffic jams, vandalism and fights. The question arises - does faith mean anarchy? Why do only Kanwariyas create ruckus, while other pilgrimages take place peacefully?

The nature of faith: humility or display?

The history of religious pilgrimages in India is old - walking, fasting, rules and penance have been its core part. But the Kanwar Yatra, especially in some areas of North India, is now turning into a show of power.

Devotees now appear less like devotees and more like "impressive Shiv bhakts". 10-15 people on bikes, trucks playing DJs, and the slogan of Har Har Mahadev in the noise - all this seems more like a symbol of showoff and factionalism than faith.

On the contrary, there is no security threat or any government formality in the pilgrimage to Ramdevra, yet there is an atmosphere of discipline and service there. Why is that so?

Masculinity and a new version of "Har Har Mahadev"